Sowing, Planting and Cultivating

The weeds will now be springing into action, so keep the hoe going.

Things to Sow

• Beetroot
• Peas
• Broad Beans
• Broccoli
• Brussels Sprouts
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Kale
• Chard
• Kohl Rabi
• Leeks
• Spinach
• Beet spinach
• Rocket
• Lettuce
• Radish

With your carrots, covering with a fleece and ensuring the edges are buried will stop the carrot root fly from gaining entry to lay eggs by your carrots.

Plant Outdoors

Globe and Jerusalem Artichokes

Onion & Shallot Sets

Asparagus.

Easter is also potato planting time.

Sow in Heat (Greenhouse or Windowsill)

• Aubergine
• Celery
• Outdoor Cucumbers
• Tomatoes (if you’ve not already done so).

Sow Outdoors Under Cloche

• French beans
• Lettuce
• Sweetcorn

Fruit

Strawberries can be planted out now, it’s best to remove flowers in the first year as you conserve strength for growth and gain larger crops in subsequent years. An easy way to gain strawberry plants is to plant the runners into pots and when rooted cut the runner. The plants don’t last forever so you need to rotate them ever three to five years.

Hand pollinate peaches and nectarines. Tickle the flowers with a small paint brush to spread the pollen. Cover if a cold spell threatens.

A good layer of compost around the base of fruit trees will ensure they have the nutrition to provide another good crop for you.

Pests

The carrot root fly. Slugs and snails are now coming out and active.